Alaska Hosts 2004 U.S. Alpine Championships

Anchorage, Alaska Feb. 20, 2004 - For the first time in 23 years, the Chevrolet U.S. Alpine Championships will descend upon the slopes of Alyeska Resort March 18 - 23, 2004.

The 2004 Chevrolet U.S. Alpine Championships will feature the country's best athletes, including members of the 2002 U.S. Olympic Team. It has been a right of passage for many young racers providing the opportunity to ski in front of the national coaching staff and is considered the highest level of domestic ski racing.

"Alyeska has a great site to host the U.S. Alpine Championships as it has a strong history of alpine events not to mention producing Olympic gold medalists, such as Tommy Moe," said USSA Events Vice President Annette Royle. "It will be a real celebration of national, junior and alumni racers."

In addition, the Return of the Champions, a race for alumni to gather with the national and regional athletes, will take place March 20, 2004. Tommy Moe, Megan Gerety and Hilary Lindh are some of the Alaska athletes invited to take part.

"We are excited to have been selected to host the 2004 Chevrolet U.S. Alpine Championships," said Alyeska Ski Area General Manager Larry Daniels. "This is a great opportunity for our mountain community that has played such a large role in the development of Alaska athletes to cheer on the nation's best and extend our Alaska hospitality."

The Chevrolet U.S. Alpine Championships are expected to bring more than 600 athletes, parents, officials and media with an estimated economic impact of more than $1 million to Anchorage. Alyeska Resort, which is hosting the event, is located 40 miles south of Anchorage. The event will be televised on ESPN.